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On this 102nd episode of the Arlington-Prospect Advice Givers Podcast. Gerry’s Cafe Founders, Natalie Griffen and Amy Philpott, share their mission to employ adults with disabilities at the soon to be open community cafe. Gerry’s memory is about love. This love will be experienced in the cafe and it’s definitely felt on this Podcast.
Gerry’s Story…
The name for Gerry’s Café is in honor of Amy’s Aunt, Geralyn Wehmer.
Gerry was the youngest of six children, her eldest sibling was 23 at the time of her arrival. In 1958, it was strongly recommended that children with Down Syndrome be institutionalized. Gerry’s mother & father would consider only one place for Gerry, Misericordia. There was quite a waiting list at the time, so Gerry went home and changed the family forever. Gerry was a ray of sunshine, a constant energy in the house. Gerry brought unconditional Love Laughter & Joy to her family and truly changed the way people perceived a child with Down Syndrome.
Misercordia called one day to announce Gerry’s space was ready, but Gerry’s place was with her family, in her home. Gerry’s time on this earth was not long,
she died one month shy of her 4th birthday.
We honor Geralyn Wehmer with Gerry’s Café. In her name we will provide a place of employment where her community can thrive, feel purpose, contribute and bring the same joy she brought to her family and friends.
Be sure to tune in to this episode to follow the journey of Gerry’s. They need your support by volunteering and dollar donations. Their mission is about love and acceptance. Let’s accept Gerry’s with as much love as we can.
“The emotional feeling at Gerry’s Cafe you can’t buy,” Amy Philpott.
Ideas and Topics Discussed in This Episode:
The Planning of Gerry’s Cafe
How The Idea Started
Gerry’s Affiliation With Harper College
The Story of Gerry
Links/Resources/Sponsors Mentioned:
amy@gerryscafe.org
Sponsors:
Arthur Blachno of Fairway Mortgage. Reach out to Arthur for all of your home mortgage needs at (847)912-6580 or email Arthur at AJB@fairwaymc.com
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